Program Overview

The Human Services Practitioner Associate in Science program prepares students for rewarding careers in the human services field, where they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction with hands-on field experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to support clients in a variety of human service settings, including social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse programs, elder care services, and more.

Graduates are ready to enter the workforce or continue their education in social work, counseling, psychology, or related fields

Program Highlights

  • Includes supervised placements that allow students to apply what they鈥檝e learned in real-world settings.
  • Covers a range of topics including case management, counseling, social policy, diversity, and ethics.
  • Students can pursue general human services or focus their studies through stackable certificates in Elder Advocacy or Substance Addiction Counseling.
  • Courses are taught by professionals with expertise in social work, counseling, and human services delivery.
  • Prepares students for entry-level roles and offers a strong foundation for transfer to bachelor鈥檚 programs in social work, human services, or psychology.

Program Details

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View and print the required courses for the Human Services Practitioner program.

Guided Pathway >

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

The curriculum blends theory, practice, and personal development to prepare students for effective service in the field. Sample courses include:

  • The Human Services Worker
  • Helping Skills in Human Services
  • Pharmacology for Human Services
  • Field Placement and Seminar II

For a full list of courses visit our .

Graduates of the Human Services Practitioner A.S. degree are qualified for a variety of entry-level positions in community and social service agencies. Potential roles include:

  • Case Manager
  • Family Support Worker
  • Residential Counselor
  • Elder Advocate
  • Outreach Specialist
  • Substance Abuse Support Worker

Credits earned through NSCC鈥檚 Elder Advocate and Substance Addiction Counseling certificate programs fully apply to this degree, making it an ideal next step for students in those pathways. For those pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree, NSCC鈥檚 transfer agreements help ensure that credits transfer easily to many four-year public institutions in Massachusetts. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.

Explore Transfer Options >

Several of the Human Services pathways offer grant funded coursework and tuition assistance.  Please email humanservices@northshore.edu for more information.

Brent Munson
Faculty/Program Coordinator
NSCC Human Services Programs

Lisa Barrett
BHWET/MAHIRE Grants Assistant Coordinator/NSCC

Christian Bednar, Ph.D.
Interim CAO/Assistant Provost Academic Affairs

Steven Chisholm
Faculty/Program Coordinator
NSCC Drug & Alcohol Programs

Mary Jo Cooper
VP of Developmental Services
Bay Cove Human Services Inc.

Erinn Gilmore
Faculty/Program Coordinator
NSCC Developmental Disabilities Programs

Jennifer James Price
Assistant VP Strategic Employment Relations
NSCC

Holly Jarrell-Marcinelli
Director of Consumer Services
Greater Lynn Senior Services
Adjunct Faculty/NSCC

Stephanie Kilgour
Human Services Program Student/NSCC

Shayna LeBlanc
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Bay Cove Human Services Inc.

Mike Lilley
Director of Programs and Partnerships
Salem Food Pantry

Collette Lima
Racial Justice Organizer
Essex County Community Organization

Lynn  Marcus
Career Placement Coordinator/NSCC

Nerissa McCormick
Director Clinical Development/Coordinator Internship Program
Eliot Community Services

Mary Meng-Lee
Dean of Human Services & Emergency Response Pathways
NSCC

Rebecca Mirick
Associate Professor/BSW Coordinator
Salem State University

Collins Musika
Human Services Program Student/NSCC

Jack Petras
Private Practice/Consultant
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
Adjunct Faculty/NSCC

Stephanie Rana
Children's Friend and Family Services
Lynn Area Director

Rachel Roesler
Faculty/Criminal Justice Program
NSCC

Mary Sarris
9I果冻制作厂shore Workforce Board
Workforce Grant-Mass General Brigham/Beth Israel Lahey

Troy Smith
Faculty/NSCC

Gisela Suarez
Community Health Worker
Adjunct Faculty/NSCC

Gerard Sullivan
Adjunct Faculty/NSCC

Kei Tiggs
Academic Advisor/NSCC

Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program

Program Questions

humanservices@northshore.edu
781-477-2215

General Assistance

Visit CentroHub, NSCC鈥檚 virtual concierge.

Accreditation

9I果冻制作厂 is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.

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